Moving? If so, you're not alone. Summer is a popular season to move, and whether you are moving down the block or across the country, it's important to consider how the move will affect your feline companion.

The key to a smooth transition for your cat is to start preparing well beforehand. Cats thrive on consistency, so it is important to continue feeding, grooming and playing with your cat as normal throughout the packing process at home, according to CatChannel.com. You should also try to stay as stress-free as you can. Cats tend to pick up on their owners' moods and it can affect how they feel and act. Maintaining a calm demeanor can prevent cat behavior problems and keep everyone stress-free during the move.

You should also sort out all the logistics of bringing your cat to a new place. If you are moving across state lines, you will need to find a new veterinarian and check out any laws that state has about felines, such as certain cat vaccinations or licenses.

Schedule a veterinary appointment well before the move to get a clean bill of health and collect your cat's health records so your new veterinarian can pick up right where you left off. Your current veterinarian may even be able to recommend someone near your new home.

If your move requires airplane travel with your cat, try to schedule direct flights during non-peak days and hours, VCA Animal Hospitals reports. This will ensure your cat travels for the least amount of time possible, preventing unnecessary stress and promoting its overall wellbeing. Check with the airline to see if they allow cats in the cabin, too. Many airlines allow cats on board as long as they stay in their carriers and do not disturb other passengers.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.